10 Valentine's Day Horror Movies You Can't Miss!

Regardless if you’re already in a loving partnership or seeking your ideal match, it’s challenging to ignore the impact that Valentine’s Day has on everyone. It could be an excellent opportunity to express additional affection towards the significant person in your life, or simply another day to grumble about those who flaunt their love shamelessly. Nevertheless, Valentine’s Day is characterized by a broad range of intense emotions, making it perfect for delving into one of the most intense movie genres available. But which horror films best represent this romantic holiday, and more importantly, are they worth your time?

Whether you’re already in love or still looking for that special someone, Valentine’s Day affects us all differently. It can be a great day to show extra affection or just another day to complain about overly demonstrative couples. Despite the mixed emotions, Valentine’s Day is known for its extreme feelings, making it an ideal time to watch some extremely intense horror movies. However, which ones capture the essence of this romantic holiday and are actually enjoyable?

Valantine’s Day brings a variety of stories, ranging from heartwarming tales about couples overcoming obstacles to terrifying accounts of madmen causing chaos and despair. Some horror movies proudly showcase romance as their main theme, while others provide an intriguing blend of violence, gore, and emotional depth. Regardless of your preference, there’s a thrilling movie that suits you perfectly on Valentine’s Day. So, relax, get your special Valentine’s Day Scream Ghostface Funko Pop, and have fun!

Warm Bodies

Under the guidance of director Jonathan Levine, the film “Warm Bodies” stands out uniquely among this collection. In a world where a plague has caused the populace to split into zombies and humans, an unexpected bond emerges between two individuals who should naturally be adversaries. A zombie named R (portrayed by Nicholas Hoult) manages to save a living woman named Julie (Teresa Palmer) from certain death at the hands of other zombies. Following their interaction, it becomes clear to Julie that R is unlike any other zombie she’s encountered. As they delve deeper into understanding one another, they discover that their blossoming relationship might face rejection from both the zombie and human communities. However, as their bond deepens, they come to understand that nothing can hinder them from trying to be together.

Warm Bodies isn’t strictly a horror film upon closer inspection, yet it manages to captivate audiences effectively. In essence, this movie combines elements of romance, comedy, and a zombie apocalypse in an intriguing manner. Unlike typical horror films, its primary objective is not to frighten or disgust viewers. Instead, it seeks to demonstrate that under the right circumstances, empathy and love can flourish even in the most challenging situations. Just as R’s relationship with Julie doesn’t conform neatly to a single category, Warm Bodies offers an unconventional yet rewarding viewing experience, making it an excellent choice for a Valentine’s Day horror movie.

You can stream Warm Bodies on Prime Video.

The Shape of Water

In the imaginative world of Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water unfolds as another captivating tale of an unusual yet fitting romance. Set in 1962, this film follows Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute and somewhat withdrawn woman who works as a cleaner in a top-secret government facility. Her monotonous life takes an extraordinary turn when she encounters the lab’s hidden project, The Amphibian Man (Doug Jones), a strange, river-dwelling creature from South America now kept in a water tank. As Elisa and The Amphibian Man forge a special connection, they discover that love can conquer many obstacles, even those as great as species differences. However, their unconventional romance will not come without challenges.

Just like “Warm Bodies,” “The Shape of Water” blends the extraordinary with the heartwarming and defies easy categorization, much like other films by Guillermo del Toro. The movie’s unique blend of fantasy, horror, and romance creates an unforgettable experience. The Amphibian Man may appear monstrous on the outside, but he harbors tender feelings within, making him a fitting object of Elisa’s affection. Both characters are outcasts due to circumstances beyond their control, which adds depth to the romantic subplot in the film. In fact, there is perhaps no love more captivating than forbidden love.

You can rent The Shape of Water on Prime Video.

Thelma

Is there anything more thrilling than the initial romances experienced during youth? At that age, even minor events seem magnified and overwhelming. With a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, it’s challenging to discern what is truly happening. The film “Thelma,” directed by Joachim Trier, follows this narrative. It centers on the character Thelma (Eili Harboe), who comes from a traditionally strict family and leads a secluded life while trying to navigate college. When she inexplicably develops psychokinetic abilities, Thelma becomes confused. However, her feelings for fellow student Anja (Kaya Wilkins) intensify these powers, as they grow stronger with each passing moment of their newfound love.

In essence, “Thelma” is more than just a film about a girl grappling with her psychic abilities and the turmoil they bring; at its core, it’s a heartfelt love story. Reminiscent of “Carrie”, this movie portrays a character so vulnerable to the world that she teeters on the brink of self-destruction. Caught in the grips of affection for Anja, Thelma struggles to comprehend her emotions, much like a naive romantic would. Yet, as we know from our own experiences with young love, patience and time are key. However, how long does one wait before deciding that the effort required is simply too great? I, for one, am eager to find out.

You can stream Thelma on Crackle.

Only Lovers Left Alive

Pondering over how long you’ve been with your current partner might make you feel dizzy; visualize instead standing hand-in-hand with them for countless centuries. The film “Only Lovers Left Alive,” directed by Jim Jarmusch, offers an unusual perspective on the concept of commitment to a single person. In this movie, we follow Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton), two immortal vampires who have been in love for centuries. However, their tranquil life is disturbed when Eve’s younger sister, Ava (Mia Wasikowska), stirs up trouble, causing the couple to contemplate their role in today’s world.

The film Only Lovers Left Alive once again challenges traditional genre boundaries. Instead of focusing on typical vampire behaviors like feeding on blood, the characters Adam and Eve, who are indeed immortal vampires, grapple more with the profound questions of their own existence and purpose in life. The movie may not frighten you, but it might spark a shiver of contemplation as you ponder the value of eternal life.

You can rent Only Lovers Left Alive on Fandango at Home.

The Love Witch

In today’s era of dating apps, it can seem almost unattainable to find someone to build a life with. Endlessly swiping left and right may even test the patience of the most resilient individuals. Yet, could there be a simpler solution? The Love Witch is a tale that follows Elaine (Samantha Robinson), a young witch, who tirelessly seeks a man who will love her unconditionally. Within her apartment, Elaine brews an assortment of spells and potions to capture men’s hearts. However, she soon realizes that her charms have overly powerful effects, leading her to take the lives of a few unsuspecting men. Unwavering in her quest until she encounters her dream man, Elaine’s composed facade begins to shatter.

The film titled “The Love Witch” was conceived, led in production, post-production, and scored by Anna Biller herself, a talented filmmaker. This masterpiece was captured on 35mm film, serving as an affectionate tribute to the chilling horror flicks of the ’60s era. Boasting visually captivating cinematography and meticulous attention to detail in its aesthetic design, “The Love Witch” offers a heartfelt depiction of longing and exasperation that resonates with many viewers. The quest for love can be an arduous journey, potentially pushing one to the brink of madness. “The Love Witch” is an ideal horror film to watch on Valentine’s Day as a couple, as it will only reinforce your gratitude for finding “the one.

You can stream The Love Witch on Tubi.

Fresh

In the context of today’s dating struggles, it’s often wise to rely on your instincts. If your intuition warns you that the man you’re seeing harbors sinister intentions towards you, don’t hesitate to make a swift exit. The film Fresh follows the story of Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a woman yearning for a partner who can offer her a fulfilling life. Disappointed by her unsuccessful online dating experiences, she’s on the verge of giving up. However, when she encounters Steve (Sebastian Stan), an attractive stranger at a grocery store, it appears that things might finally turn around. After several dates, Steve invites Noa to his remote cabin in the woods. Despite her better judgment, she accepts. Not long after, she finds herself in a desperate struggle for survival as Steve, who has unveiled himself as a ruthless businessman with cannibalistic tendencies, threatens her life.

A lively horror film titled “Fresh” manages to keep its content feeling new and engaging throughout its duration. Starring the talented actors Edgar-Jones and Stan, “Fresh” is both exhilarating and unique. Despite giving the impression that you have a grasp of its plot, the movie unexpectedly veers off in another direction. Unlike the usual Valentine’s Day films, “Fresh” serves an enthralling dose of action with spikes of nerve-wracking tension that will undoubtedly accelerate your heart rate.

You can stream Fresh on Hulu.

Bones and All

In the course of dating extensively, you might encounter individuals with very specific dietary preferences from time to time, which can make choosing a restaurant quite challenging. Yet, if both parties were cannibals, deciding where to dine wouldn’t be an issue; instead, it would be about who would be on the menu. In the film Bones and All, Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet portray two young cannibalistic lovers traveling across America in search of their place, discovering aspects of the country they’d never seen before. Along the way, they meet a variety of intriguing characters who influence their destiny. However, no matter how much they find solace and understanding in each other, they soon realize that escaping one’s past is not always a simple task.

Under the guidance of acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino, the film “Bones and All” presents an unflinchingly raw take on a love story in the process of maturation. The title, “Bones and All,” is not symbolic; it literally refers to bones and all. At its heart, this movie tells a deeply emotional story about love that surpasses the inner struggles we all face. Although most people (hopefully) don’t have to grapple with suppressing their desire for human flesh, it can provide solace knowing there are others who share similar experiences as you.

You can stream Bones and All on Peacock.

A Ghost Story

Previously, we’ve encountered love stories with supernatural elements such as vampires, cannibals, and zombies. However, we also delved into a tale about someone who no longer exists in our physical world. In “A Ghost Story,” we meet C (portrayed by Casey Affleck), a man who’s recently passed away and returns as a ghost to his suburban home, hoping to comfort his grieving wife M (Rooney Mara). Unfortunately, in his spectral form, he finds himself trapped in a distorted version of purgatory. As time passes, C is compelled to watch as his old life and the woman he still deeply cares for drift further away from him.

On a shoestring budget of merely $100,000, David Lowery’s A Ghost Story weaves an absorbing narrative about enduring love. Before C meets his untimely end, he doesn’t get the chance for a heartfelt speech or a poignant goodbye. Instead, he simply passes away and is left to haunt his former life as a ghost, appearing as a sheet-covered specter that looks like a low-budget Halloween costume for a child. Remarkably, given its modest budget, A Ghost Story is a powerfully impactful film that manages to be both intimate and eerie. It’s a poignant and moving depiction of love with no limits.

You can rent A Ghost Story on Prime Video.

My Bloody Valentine

I can’t help but roll my eyes when a solemn tribute to the fallen ruins a celebration, only for someone reckless to disregard that respect and revive the festivities, leading to more heartbreaking losses. It’s downright chilling how often this scenario plays out in horror flicks, even in some slasher movies you might have overlooked. And guess what? My Bloody Valentine is no exception! Just like any gripping slasher, there’s an abundance of gore as a relentless and seemingly invincible killer wreaks havoc. For those who crave a spine-tingling Valentine’s Day fright, this film fits the bill perfectly.

In the quaint Canadian mining town of Valentine Bluffs, an obstinate mayor resumes the age-old Valentine’s Day dance, halted for two decades following a tragic accident where two foremen abandoned five miners underground to attend the dance. Already looking forward to it, the local young adults are excited about dancing on Valentine’s Day. However, their anticipation is dampened as an unidentified murderer prepares to launch a brutal campaign, aiming to spoil the mood of every resident in town.

You can stream My Bloody Valentine on Pluto TV.

Crimson Peak

In the realm of Guillermo del Toro’s horror creations, each film offers a unique and captivating tale woven with intriguing supernatural elements. The movie Crimson Peak follows the story of Edith (Mia Wasikowska), who, after being visited by a spectral vision of her departed mother, forewarning her about “Crimson Peak.” With the gift of communicating with the deceased, Edith endeavors to unravel her mother’s cryptic warning. Fast forward to later years, Edith has tied the knot with Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), and is whisked away to his eerie gothic mansion nestled deep within the English countryside. Not long after settling in, Edith embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the spectral specters that torment her in her new abode.

Following the debut of “Crimson Peak,” director Guillermo del Toro shared with Variety that his creation was a blend of the eerie ambiance characteristic of both fairy tales and horror films, combined with a love story that exposes the sinister aspects of affection. With its abundant Gothic motifs, “Crimson Peak” is a multifaceted tale that transcends mere scares from ghostly apparitions wandering through deserted corridors. Instead, these specters convey deeper messages than just a simple “Boo!” This film offers an engaging experience for couples to immerse themselves in and collaborate on unraveling its intricate mystery.

You can stream Crimson Peak on Peacock.

2025-02-12 08:11

10 Valentine’s Day Horror Movies You Can’t Miss!